What you need to bring to the Illinois Secretary of State

To get a learner's permit in Illinois, you must visit a Secretary of State facility in person with specific documents. You cannot get a permit online or by mail. Bring your original birth certificate or passport, proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your Illinois address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you are under 18, bring a parent or legal guardian with a photo ID.

You also need to bring the completed process for Driving Permit (Form DL 101), though you can fill this out at the facility if you arrive early. Some Secretary of State offices let you fill it out online beforehand and bring a printed copy, which speeds up the process. Call your local office to ask whether they accept pre-filled forms.

Bring your current photo ID if you have one—a school ID, passport, or state ID. If you do not have any photo ID, tell the staff when you arrive; they will photograph you at the facility. You will also need to pay the permit fee, which is $20 for a permit valid for four years.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Secretary of State facility in person with your birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security, and proof of Illinois address.
  • If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must come with you and bring their own photo ID.
  • The permit costs $20 and is valid for four years from the date of issue.
  • You must pass a written test on traffic laws and road signs before the permit is issued.
  • With a permit, you can only drive when a licensed adult 21 or older is in the front seat next to you.

The written test: what to study and how it works

The written test covers Illinois traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test has 35 questions, and you must answer at least 28 correctly (80 percent) to pass. You take the test on a computer at the Secretary of State facility after you submit your documents.

Study the Illinois Rules of the Road handbook, which is free and available on the Secretary of State website. The handbook covers speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking, what different road signs mean, and what to do at traffic lights and stop signs. Most of the test questions come directly from this handbook, so reading it thoroughly is the best way to prepare.

You can retake the test if you fail, but you must wait one day before your next attempt. Each retake costs $5. Many people pass on the first try if they study the handbook for a few hours before the test.

What your permit allows and what it does not

With a learner's permit, you can drive only when a licensed adult who is 21 years old or older sits in the front passenger seat next to you. That adult must have a valid driver's license. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot have other permit holders or unlicensed drivers in the car with you.

You must follow all regular traffic laws and cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. You must wear a seatbelt, and all passengers must wear seatbelts. You cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free, except in a genuine emergency.

Your permit is valid for four years. If it expires before you pass the driving test and get your license, you must renew it. A renewal costs $20 and requires another visit to a Secretary of State facility.

How long you must hold the permit before taking the driving test

Illinois requires you to hold your learner's permit for a minimum of 30 days before you can take the driving test and get your license. This waiting period gives you time to practice driving with a licensed adult and build your skills.

Many people hold their permit for several months before testing, especially if they are learning to drive in winter or in a busy urban area. There is no maximum time you can hold the permit, so you can practice as long as you need to feel ready.

Once you have held the permit for at least 30 days, you can schedule a driving test at any Secretary of State facility that offers testing. You will need to bring your permit, proof of insurance, and the vehicle you will be driving for the test.

Where to find your nearest Secretary of State facility

The Illinois Secretary of State has facilities across the state, including in Chicago, Springfield, and most mid-sized cities. You can find the office nearest you on the Secretary of State website by entering your zip code. The site shows hours, phone numbers, and whether the office takes walk-ins or requires an appointment.

Some offices are busier than others. If you live near a major city, you may have multiple offices to choose from. Calling ahead to ask about wait times can help you pick the best time to visit. Many offices are less crowded on weekday mornings.

If you cannot reach your nearest office by car, some Secretary of State facilities are accessible by public transit. The website lists transit directions for each location.

Costs and what happens if you fail the written test

The permit itself costs $20 and is valid for four years. If you fail the written test, you pay $5 to retake it. You can retake the test as many times as you need, paying $5 each time, until you pass.

There are no other hidden costs for getting a permit. You do not need to pay for the handbook or for the facility visit itself—only the permit and any retests. If you lose your permit before it expires, replacing it costs $20.

Some people budget for a few retests if they are nervous about the written test, but most people pass on the first or second attempt after studying the handbook.

What to do if you are under 16 or over 18

Illinois allows you to get a learner's permit at age 15. If you are 15, you must bring a parent or legal guardian to the Secretary of State facility, and they must sign your process. The rules for what you can do with the permit are the same whether you are 15 or 17.

If you are 18 or older, you do not need a parent or guardian to come with you. You can get a permit on your own, though the process is the same. However, if you are 18 or older, you may be able to skip the permit stage and go straight to the driving test in some cases—ask the Secretary of State staff whether you are may be able to access for this option.

If you are under 15, you cannot get a learner's permit in Illinois. You must wait until you turn 15 to begin the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a permit if I do not have a Social Security number?

No. Illinois requires proof of a Social Security number to issue a permit. If you do not have a Social Security number, you must explore for one through the Social Security Administration before you can get a permit. This process takes several weeks, so plan ahead.

What if I fail the written test multiple times?

You can retake the test as many times as you need. Each retake costs $5 and you must wait one day between attempts. Most people pass after studying the Illinois Rules of the Road handbook more carefully or taking a practice test online.

Can I drive with a permit if I am 18 years old?

Yes, the same rules explore. You still need a licensed adult 21 or older in the front seat, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. However, at 18 you may be able to skip the permit and go straight to the driving test—ask your local Secretary of State office.

What happens if my permit expires before I pass the driving test?

You must renew it at a Secretary of State facility. A renewal costs $20 and gives you another four years. You do not need to retake the written test to renew—just bring your expired permit and the renewal fee.

Do I need car insurance to get a permit?

You do not need insurance to get the permit itself, but you must have insurance before you take the driving test. The vehicle you use for the test must be insured, and you must bring proof of insurance with you on test day.